Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her role on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is prioritizing family time with her older children as she navigates a complex custody situation and ongoing legal matters with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen.
On April 3, Paul shared a moment of respite on her Instagram Stories, posting a photo from a Utah hotel where she was seen cozy on a couch with her two older children—from her previous marriage to Tate Paul—alongside her mother, Liann May, and other relatives. May reposted the image, captioning it, “Family time is my favorite time!” with a heart emoji.
This family gathering occurs against the backdrop of a temporary custody arrangement. On March 19, Mortensen was granted temporary custody of the couple's two-year-old son, Ever, following his filing of a protective order. A hearing is scheduled for April 7, where Paul will have the opportunity to present her side. Until then, the order stipulates that “no parent time is allowed.”
The protective order filing coincided with the release by TMZ of a video from a 2023 altercation between Paul and Mortensen, which reportedly occurred while one of Paul's children was present. The video's publication led to the cancellation of Paul's scheduled season of The Bachelorette, which was set to debut shortly after. In response to the cancellation, Paul's representative stated she “is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.” Mortensen, in a separate statement, said he was “focusing on our son and his safety, and [hopes] that Taylor will do the same.”
This incident is part of a broader pattern under investigation. Authorities in Utah confirmed in March they are investigating a separate domestic assault case stemming from a February dispute between the former couple, with allegations made “in both directions.” Additionally, police are investigating a third alleged domestic violence incident related to a reported 2024 encounter, which Mortensen brought to their attention in February.
These recent events follow Paul's 2023 legal troubles. In February 2023, she was arrested following a confrontation with Mortensen, accused of throwing objects at him while a child was present. She later pleaded guilty in August 2023 to a third-degree felony count of aggravated assault as part of a plea deal. Four other charges were dismissed. The plea was held in abeyance for three years, contingent on her completing substance abuse and domestic violence evaluations and any recommended treatment, and not violating any major laws.
Reflecting on the 2023 incident in a September 2024 interview, Paul described it as their “rock bottom for sure,” expressing regret and citing personal struggles, including pregnancies and emotional distress, as contributing factors. She acknowledged Mortensen's support during that difficult period.
Despite the ongoing legal and personal challenges, Paul and Mortensen welcomed their son in March 2024. Paul shared a hospital photo on April 4, writing, “We’ve had the best two weeks with him. We all love you so much, thank you for blending our family.”